The carnival world of wrestling is explored through the portraits of three men who are at the end points of their dangerous and unpredictable careers: Terry Funk, a renowned Texas champ who is 53 and has been wrestling for 32 years, Jake… MoreThe carnival world of wrestling is explored through the portraits of three men who are at the end points of their dangerous and unpredictable careers: Terry Funk, a renowned Texas champ who is 53 and has been wrestling for 32 years, Jake "the Snake" Roberts, a wrestler on the skids who attributes his downfall to a crack cocaine addiction and a horrible childhood; and Mick Foley, a devoted father and husband who thinks it would be wise to quit for the sake of his family, but will have trouble letting go.

Photos

Cast

Consensus:
Even if you aren't a fan, Beyond the Mat provides a riveting, perceptive look into the world of professional wrestling by taking a closer look at the people beneath the personas.

Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Documentaries are almost always more interesting if the filmmakers fess up about their relationship to the subject, as unabashed pro-wrestling fan Barry Blaustein does in this naively made, compelling homage to the sport.

If you liked The Wrestler, you'll like this documentary because its the same story yet its all true. And if you like wrestling, you'll like this… MoreIf you liked The Wrestler, you'll like this documentary because its the same story yet its all true. And if you like wrestling, you'll like this documentary because its got lots of wrestlers and lots of wrestling in it. And if you hate wrestling, you'll like this documentary because it shows you exactly why you hate wrestling so very much.

Mr. Canadagraphs

after seeing this I REALLLY wish Mick would stay retired. Not because I dont enjoy his entertainment, but becaus eI truly believe it would bebest for HIM.

Todd Smith

Adult professional wrestling fans aren't stupid, we know wrestling is fake and the outcomes are pre-determined. What none fans don't realize is why we… MoreAdult professional wrestling fans aren't stupid, we know wrestling is fake and the outcomes are pre-determined. What none fans don't realize is why we like it. It's the drama, the pageantry, the cheesy stories, the costumes, and most of all the action. Yes, it's pre-determined and choreographed, but you still need to be charismatic and athletic, and night after night these guys put their bodies on the line just for our entertainment. People have been killed and paralyzed doing this, so to anyone who says it's not real and takes no skill, I point to this documentary. Beyond The Mat looks into the lives of these guys outside the ring and show the ancient Terry Funk, whose body has been ravaged from years in the ring. He can barely walk anymore, but still has to get in there and has to do this because it's all he knows and what he loves. Jake "The Snake" Roberts is also featured and he talks about how eight years on the road with WWE and how it made him a neglectful father, a bad husband, and a drug addict. Roberts says between the pain and the constant moving around he could never have done it without drugs! Finally, they look at Mick Foley AKA Mankind, Dude Love, Cactus Jack and show how he's this normal family man and while his family knows it's for show, how much they worry. In the last 30 years, hundreds of pro-wrestlers have died under the age of 45, most of them due to the physical trauma they've put their bodies through or the dependence on drugs that has resulted from it. If those were NFL or MLB stars instead, there would be massive reform and congressional intervention, but the truth is no one cares about these guys, except of course their families, friends, and fans. Beyond The Mat is important because it shows just what these guys put on the line and just how little the people at the top care.

Curt C

There's something here for both fans and non-fans. Both a study of the wrestling business and an intriguing human character protrayal.

John Ballantine

The best documentary that I have ever seen on professional wrestling. Those who were fans of the sport in the 80s will be appalled at the current state of the… MoreThe best documentary that I have ever seen on professional wrestling. Those who were fans of the sport in the 80s will be appalled at the current state of the wrestlers of that era.

Christopher Brown

As a fan of wrestling, I found this doc incredible. It's a fascinating look into the folks who chose to wrestle for a living and their trials and… MoreAs a fan of wrestling, I found this doc incredible. It's a fascinating look into the folks who chose to wrestle for a living and their trials and tribulations. I've recommended this to people who hate wrestling and they've enjoyed it as well.